How do I upgrade my IBA body armor?

[HMMurdock]

I have an Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) carrier which works well for me, but one of the elastic cummerbund straps has become lost. Does anyone know where I might find replacements and/or any other aftermarket upgrades that might be desirable? This is the newer, side-opening model -- not the older flak vest front opening style. Thank you!

 

[F1ST0]

Try Ebay or maybe a local army navy surplus store if you have one.

good luck

 

[armoredman]

Craigs List? I didn't know there were many US Property IBA's out there on the open market.

 

[HMMurdock]

I have tried my local Army/Navy store, Ebay and Craigslist and to no avail. Granted, those could pop a set up at any time but I'd rather find it sooner than later. I will keep checking, but if anyone else has an idea I would be glad to hear it...

I have been checking similar aftermarket rigs to see if another company would sell a cummerbund that attaches the same and just order it as a replacement, but I have had no luck yet...

 

[herrwalther]

I am not familiar with the newer style IBA that had an elastic cummerbund. But I see where they got it on the IOTV then. Hate that armor, plate carrier all the way. But I digress.

If the usual used places such as Ebay, surplus stores and Craiglist won't work. Why not make one? Elastic material is relatively easy to find at craft stores. Would be similar when a friend of mine repaired the velcro attachments on the cummerbund of his IOTV. Won't be as strong as the original spec, but should work.

 

[Torian]

The plate carrier was certainly lighter for me, but didn't have quite the same level of protection in terms of layers of kevlar, nor all the surface area I needed to "accessorize".

I preferred the IOTV.

I've seen a lot of this issued stuff in surplus stores around bases I used to be stationed at. Always someone looking to sell this stuff to you.